Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Brian Cuddy brian.cuddy@mq.edu.au Level 2, Building Y3A
Prerequisites	Prerequisites
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit provides a critical survey of the students’ chosen field of study (ISS, Policing, Intelligence, and Counter Terrorism) by allowing students to critically engage with a number of core primary sources. Through reading and discussing key texts, students will trace the intellectual history of their field, examine shifts in conceptual frameworks and research traditions, and compare alternative methodological approaches. The course is designed to provide a capstone experience through critically engaging with important issues and debates in Security Studies, and to help students’ critically reflect on assumptions behind different concepts and debates. The unit will provide students with an ‘intellectual map’ of their chosen field of study, through providing a historical background into the intellectual trends and methodological perspectives commonly found in the field of Security Studies today. The course is an exercise in close and critical reading, and is highly reading-intensive. Students are expected to read the assigned materials in advance of each module and participate actively in discussion. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due	Short Extension
Review Essay 1	25%	Week 6	No
Review Essay 2	25%	Week 10	No
Review Essay 3	25%	Week 13	No
Active Engagement	25%	Weekly	No

Review Essay 1

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

A key aim of this unit is to critically engage with a number of classic or core texts in the field of Security Studies. Review essays are a very good method for achieving this aim, and students will write three such essays over the course of the unit--one for each core text studied. Students’ research for each book review should go beyond the core text and include additional sources not listed in the unit readings, but this outside reading and research should not be at the expense of analyzing the core text itself. Gaining and exhibiting a mastery of the book under review is a primary aim of this exercise. While there is no one "right" way to approach a book review, good review essays often do some of the following:

identify a puzzle, problem, or debate that the author addresses;
contextualize the book within the historical era in which the author is writing, and/or the security crisis or conflict to which the author is responding;
contextualize the book within the intellectual history of the field of Security Studies, perhaps explaining how the book changed the field;
evaluate the author’s key arguments and identify the strengths and weaknesses of those arguments;
identify and critique the author’s working methods and assumptions;
compare and contrast the author's methods, theories, and assumptions with readings you have encountered in other Security Studies units;
consider and critique the book from a perspective the author neglects or dismisses (e.g., race, class, or gender);
explain how the author’s work is relevant and useful (or irrelevant and of little use) for understanding one or more contemporary empirical problems or policy debates; and
critique how others have understood the text and used it (perhaps inappropriately or mistakenly) to inform intellectual or policy debates.

This list of suggested approaches is not exhaustive. Nor should you attempt to address each point in a single review essay. As with any piece of writing, a clear, persuasive argument and thematic coherence are of utmost importance. Reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Review Essay 2

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

See Review Essay 1 for a description of this assessment task.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Review Essay 3

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

See Review Essay 2 for a description of this assessment task.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Active Engagement

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

The unit is discussion-based rather than lecture-based and as such its success relies on the full participation of all students. Active engagement by students will increase the unit's value as an exercise (both individual and collective) in critical thinking, analysis, and communication. OUA students are expected to read the assigned materials and participate weekly in the iLearn forum, addressing the questions and comments posted there and posting questions and comments of their own. Contributions to the iLearn forum must be completed by the end of the week (for example, if the week begins on Monday 1 August, the week ends at 11:59pm on Sunday 7 August). Participation will not be counted beyond the allocated time frame. Grades are dependent on criteria such as (but not limited to) the quality of the engagement with the text and any other supplementary reading materials, new lines of inquiry posed, and engagement with peers and the convenor.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Delivery and Resources

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

You should spend an average of 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes reading weekly required materials, actively participating in the unit either in class (internal students) or via the iLearn discussion forum (external, including OUA, students), and preparing assessments.
Internal students are expected to attend all seminar or tutorial sessions, and external students are expected to make significant contributions to on-line activities.
In most cases students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

REQUIRED READINGS

Students should obtain a copy (preferably a physical copy) of each of the three core books to be read in this unit. There are various editions of the three books in (and out of) print. While students can obtain any edition, the preferred editions are both listed below and available at the Macquarie University Co-op bookstore:

Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, Rex Warner (trans.), M. I. Finley (ed.) (London: Penguin Classics, 1974);
E. H. Carr, The Twenty Years’ Crisis, 1919-1939: An Introduction to the Study of International Relations (Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave, 2001 [1939]);
George F. Kennan, American Diplomacy, sixtieth anniversary expanded edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012 [1951]).

The citations for all other required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's library site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed through the library or will be made available by other means.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Computer and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS

All text-based assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
Assessment tasks must be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.
Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener or nominated delegate such as a tutor. Any requests for extensions must be before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy (http://www.students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/manage_your_study_program/disruption_to_studies/).

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.

WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS

Stated word limits include footnotes and footnoted references, but not bibliography, or title page.
Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of the awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER

Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html). This process involves all assignments submitted for that unit being reassessed.

Unit Schedule

Week 1	Introduction
Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5	Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War
Weeks 6, 7, 8, 9	E. H. Carr, The Twenty Years’ Crisis
Weeks 10, 11, 12	George Kennan, American Diplomacy
Week 13	Conclusion

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
were beyond your control
caused substantial disruption to your academic work
substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
Fill in your relevant details
Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering important concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced reading and research skills.
Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students' chosen field of study.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

Review Essay 1
Review Essay 2
Review Essay 3
Active Engagement